Events

Baba’s x Mizna Lit Series: July

Baba’s Hummus House & Mana’eesh Bakery
2220 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
07/11/2025
7pm

Event details

Mizna and Baba’s co-present the second reading of their literary series, featuring Gabriella Gillespie, William Nour, and Sana Wazwaz.

Join us on July 11, 2025 at 7pm, Baba’s Hummus House & Mana’eesh Bakery
2220 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405

This event is free to attend.

ABOUT THE READERS

Born and raised in Minnesota, Gabriella Gillespie (she/her) is a 2017 graduate from Macalester College. She completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and Hispanic studies. Writing and storytelling is her passion. She uses creative writing to unpack and confront harsh truths from liberatory justice and marginalization to mental health, body image, and self-identity. When she isn’t using hyperboles and similes to make sense of life on this floating rock, this Sagittarius sun, Virgo moon, and Scorpio rising can be found roller skating, reading, listening to music, strength training, climbing, dancing, and trying new foods in the Twin Cities.

William Nour is a queer Palestinian multi-genre writer. He was born to a Christian family in Nazareth, Palestine, and grew up in Haifa. His work appears in Mizna and in Ask The Night For A Dream, an anthology by Palestine Writes Press. William is the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board grant for his first play, Turbulence. His second play premiered at Mixed Blood Theater, produced by New Arab American Theater Works in 2025. William is also a drummer with Yallah Drum Ensemble.

Sana Wazwaz is a Palestinian American writer and theater artist. She was a member of New Arab American Theater Works’ inaugural Playwright Incubator Program, where a staged reading of her debut play, Birthright Palestine, premiered in the 2023 Playwright Showcase. Her writing has been seen in The Ghassan Kanafani Arts Anthology, Overtly Lit, Water~Stone Review, Hayden’s Ferry Review, and the Colorado College Fine Arts Center. Her creative nonfiction essay, “How to Say Survival in Latin,” was nominated for Best American Essay 2025. Sana holds a BA in English (creative writing concentration) from Augsburg University, and is currently the Program and Administrative Assistant at New Arab American Theater Works.